Why Women Are Still Underrepresented in Trade Work and How to Change It
Even though you shouldn’t have to, you get used to the surprised looks.
The raised eyebrows, the awkward questions, the quiet distrust. It’s an experience familiar to many women in trades - like you’ve shown up somewhere you don’t quite belong.
And yet, when you look at the numbers, it’s no wonder. According to Women on the Tools, as reported by BBC, less than 2% of workers in trades like plumbing and construction are women. That’s a statistic that hasn’t changed in over 40 years.
Think about that. Four decades of continued gender disparity in one of the most essential sectors; a sector that builds our homes, fixes our infrastructure, and powers our economy.
It’s not just disappointing; it’s limiting: for women, for businesses, and for an industry crying out for skilled workers.
If we want to see real change, we need to face this issue head-on. That means being honest about what’s holding women back and bold enough to take action. From workplaces to workwear, cultural perceptions to systemic barriers, it’s time to address the gaps and build a trade industry where everyone belongs.
Why Aren’t There More Women in Trades?
When people ask why women aren’t choosing trades, the simplest answer is often the most accurate: trades weren’t designed with women in mind.
The tools, the training, the expectations, and yes, even the workwear, have historically catered to men.
But here’s where things get interesting. Attitudes outside the industry are starting to shift. In a June 2022 survey by the Chartered Institute of Building, as seen on Which, a third of respondents said they would prefer to hire a female tradesperson. Why? For many, it came down to two key reasons: a desire to support women in trades and a greater sense of comfort having a woman working in their home.
The support is there. The desire is there. So why is a career in trade still so male-dominated, even in 2025?
Systemic Barriers
It starts early. How many young girls are encouraged to pick up a spanner or explore trades at school? For decades, career guidance has steered them toward “traditional” fields like healthcare, teaching, or office work. Meanwhile, trades have been branded as a man’s world.
That said, there are signs of change to this gender gap. According to ONS data reported by Which, 12% of those starting construction apprenticeships in the 2020/21 academic year were female. While still a small percentage, it’s a step in the right direction - and proof that more young women are starting to see skilled trades as a viable career option.
Stereotypes
Trade jobs have long been painted as “jobs for the lads,” reinforced by years of media and marketing. When you think of ads promoting building, plumbing, or tools, it’s men who are front and centre - male actors in hard hats or hi vis clothing.
These stereotypes persist because nobody challenges them. Our unconscious biases go unchecked, and the cycle continues. Even today, a woman entering a trade apprenticeship might find herself as the only female in the room, with no role models to look up to or mentors to guide her.
With this in mind, it becomes increasingly more obvious why many women think twice before stepping into these careers.
Cultural Stigma
And this leads us onto a core issue: culture.
The subtle skepticism when you take charge of a job. The feeling of constantly having to prove yourself in ways your male colleagues don’t. The surprised looks we mentioned at the beginning.
Many women in trades have stories of being underestimated, ignored, or even harassed on the job. It’s not every workplace, of course, but it’s enough to create a reputation.
When an industry feels unwelcoming, it sends a clear message: “This isn’t for you.” Changing that perception is one of the biggest hurdles we face.
Practical Challenges
Finally, imagine the practical implications of trying to do your job in clothes that don’t fit properly.
For years, tradeswomen were forced to wear “unisex” (read: men’s) workwear. Oversized jackets, baggy trousers, and ill-fitting boots weren’t just inconvenient - they were unsafe.
Thankfully, this is starting to change. Brands are waking up to the need for properly designed womens workwear, and we’re proud to be part of that change. But it’s a small step in a much bigger conversation about making trades more accessible.
Why This Should Matter to Everyone
It’s easy to dismiss the lack of women in trades as “just the way it is.” But that's a dangerous point of view to adopt. When an industry holds onto old biases and stereotypes, it both reinforces discrimination and limits growth.
Beyond fairness and equality (which should matter to everyone), there are some very real, practical reasons why this issue deserves attention:
- The UK’s trade industries are facing a well-documented skills gap, with more jobs available than there are qualified workers. With half the population effectively excluded, the industry is missing out on untapped potential that could help bridge this gap faster.
- Trade jobs offer good pay, job security, and the chance to develop hands-on skills. For many women, they could open the door to financial independence and opportunities that other industries just can’t match, especially during a cost-of-living crisis.
By making trades more inclusive, we’re building something better for everyone. More workers, stronger teams, and a future where anyone with the skills and passion for the job can succeed.
How Do We Change This?
If we want to see more women in trades, it’s going to take effort from all sides - businesses, schools, and individuals alike. Breaking down barriers, challenging gender stereotypes, and creating opportunities isn’t just a job for one group; it’s something we all need to work on.
Above all, we need to listen. To women already in trades, to young people considering their options, and to the voices often overlooked.
Here are some steps we can take to make a real difference:
1. Start with Representation
You can’t be what you can’t see. That’s why representation is one of the most powerful tools we have to bring more women into trades.
We need to shine a spotlight on the women already excelling in these roles. Sharing their stories, celebrating their successes, and showcasing their skills is a way to show others that trades are a place where they belong, too.
Even small changes in how women are represented in media and advertising can make a difference. Seeing women in trade roles on television - whether it’s a mechanic on Coronation Street like Abi Webster, or Charlene Mitchell from Neighbours back in the day - helps to normalise the idea. It stops trades from being seen as an exception for women and starts to make it the norm.
But it’s not just about fictional characters. Social media is packed with female role models who are championing gender equality and helping to change perceptions. For example:
- Follow The Pink Plasterer on Instagram for a glimpse of what life in trades looks like from a female perspective.
- Check out Katie Kelleher on LinkedIn, who’s paving the way as a crane operator and advocate for women in construction.
There are also platforms like TaskHer that make it easier for customers to connect with female tradespeople.
2. Change the Narrative Early
Trades need a rebrand.
For too long, trades have been painted as “hard, dirty jobs” designed for blokes. But that’s a tired, inaccurate image that doesn’t reflect the creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork at the heart of these roles.
We need to start talking about skilled trade jobs differently, especially with younger generations. Schools play a huge role here. It’s time for career guidance programmes to present trades as practical, rewarding options; not just as a fallback or “alternative path.” Hands-on workshops, open days, and opportunities to meet skilled trade workers could go a long way in showing students what these careers involve and why they’re worth considering.
If you’re in the UK and considering a career in trades, there are already great resources to help you get started. For example, Trades College offers a range of courses and apprenticeships designed to prepare you for success in the industry.
3. Build Better Workplaces
It’s not enough to create opportunities for women in the industry if the workplace culture drives them out.
Employers need to create environments where women feel welcome, supported, and treated as equals. This means going beyond token gestures and addressing the structural issues that can make trade workplaces uninviting. Here are a few starting points:
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Zero-Tolerance Policies
Gender discrimination and sexual harassment still exist in some workplaces, and it’s not always overt. Subtle biases, inappropriate comments, and unequal opportunities can make women feel unwelcome. A zero-tolerance approach, combined with clear reporting processes and accountability, is essential to set the right tone. -
Mentorship Programmes
Having someone to show you the ropes, offer advice, and advocate for you can make all the difference. Mentorship programmes that pair experienced tradespeople with newcomers (regardless of gender) create stronger teams and ensure no one feels isolated. -
Work-Life Balance for Everyone
Flexibility shouldn’t be seen as a “women’s issue.” Everyone benefits from workplaces that recognise the importance of balancing professional and personal lives. By normalising flexible hours and family-friendly policies, we can create a culture where both women and men can thrive.
4. Rethink Workwear
Workwear might seem like a small piece of the puzzle, but for women in trades, it’s symbolic of something much bigger: recognition. Having access to well-designed, properly fitting womens workwear signals that women belong in this industry, that their needs are seen, and that they’re valued as professionals.
The availability of womens workwear is a litmus test for how inclusive the industry really is. When companies invest in proper gear for women, it’s a clear signal that they’re serious about breaking down all the barriers we've discussed so far.
This has a ripple effect. It inspires more businesses to follow suit, encourages brands to expand their women’s ranges, and shifts the culture around who the industry is “for.” Over time, this collective effort can normalise women’s presence in trades; transforming what was once an exception into the standard.
If you’re wondering what options are out there at the moment, we’ve put together a separate guide to the best women’s workwear in our collection.
Summary
The trade industry has come a long way, but the numbers speak for themselves - there’s still so much further to go.
We know this change won’t happen overnight. It takes effort from every corner: businesses rethinking their policies, schools presenting trades as a real option for everyone, and individuals challenging their own assumptions about who belongs on a job site. But every step forward counts.
At Hollands Workwear, we’re proud to be part of this movement. Whether it’s providing practical, well-designed workwear for women or using our platform to celebrate the incredible tradeswomen out there, we believe in building a better future for this industry.
So, to wrap up, we'll leave you with one question: What’s one change you think could make a real difference for women in trades?
About the Author
Living on a family farm and having worked in everything from warehousing to nursing and hospitality, Sarah Holland is no stranger to hard work. She is dedicated to helping other women navigate the world of workwear, ensuring they find clothing that not only looks great and fits well, but also helps them succeed in their chosen fields. Her goal is to break down barriers and support women in every trade, making sure they feel confident and capable in their work.
